From Exile

Artist: From Exile (http://www.myspace.com/fromexile)
Album: Crushing Reality



Rating: 8.5/10

Recommended Tracks: Cataclysm, Soliloquy of Death, Crushing Reality


To start this review, I'll let you in on a little secret of what part of the glamourous position of college radio metal show host entails: we have to listen to a lot of crap. And by crap I mean every single god-awful cringe-inducing metalcore band churned off the Generic Metal Band 101 assembly line touted by the record labels as the next At The Gates that turn out to be the audio equivalent of your toilet bowl if you forced yourself to eat Taco Bell from a dumpster for a month straight. So, on the rare days we get stuff sent to us that actually passes for listenable, it makes us Wrekage hosts sit up and take notice. Furthermore, if we get an actual good release from a local band it's like getting a double whammy of unexpected goodness. Enter Atlanta's own From Exile's debut full-length album Crushing Reality, which shone like a beacon of bright light amongst all the bullshit Bullet For My Dozen Avenged Autumn Shadows As They Lay Dying bands yours truly's ears have been punished by lately. How refreshing it was to listen to metal that seems to have been composed with the expectation that the listener actually has half a brain instead of having sing-songy choruses and hooks thrown their way in radio friendly 4-minute blocks.

Crushing Reality is leaps and bounds better than any of the band's previous material, which came dangerously close at times to treading the waters of the generic metalcore previously mentioned. Instead, this album delivers solid performance after solid performance that at times simultaneously recalls the glory days of old In Flames, the first two Opeth albums, and Powerslave-era Iron Maiden to name a few. It's like there's a 1996 Swedish melodic death metal revival party in your ears, and everyone's invited. Guitarists Eric Guenther and Ben Wetzelberger's effortlessly bounce sweeping and soaring guitar harmonies off each other over the course of the album, anchored by Beau Mackinlay's bass work (which you can actually hear thumping away in the mix - a rarity in metal albums these days), and a monster performance behind the kit by Vince Jarocki, who handles the complicated blending of genres throughout the course of the album with ease. Beau's vocals are also a strong point of focus over the entirety of the album, as he manages to pull off a mid-range throaty rasp/growl that sounds like a blend between Ihsahn and Steve Austin of Today Is The Day (though with much less of a venomous tone than either one), which compliments the music rather than overshadowing it.

The band describes their sound as progressive thrash, and that's a very accurate description given how each song on the album ranges from all out balls to the wall thrash to a full on melodic death shredding assault to deep, introspective, moody passages and back again, often within minutes of the same song. Most non-instrumental tracks clock in at well over the 5 minute mark, including the 8-minute title track and the epic, sprawling 11 minute album finale, fittingly titled "Finale". The clear album highlight is the Opethian 12-minute plus track called "Soliloquy of Death", which opens with a rapid-fire galloping head nodding fist pumping riff and features several Jester-Race era In Flames-style acoustic guitar breaks, a mixture of death and clean vocals, and a complete blend of pretty much every style of metal short of hardcore and grindcore you can think of. Off the top of your head try to think of a band out right now that can pull all that off, that can pull off that many seamless style changes in just one song as opposed to one album, much less stretch that kind of vibe out over the course of 12 and a half minutes yet never sound boring or repetitive the whole time. Once you're done drawing a blank, from now on you can make From Exile the answer to that question.

I was very surprised at how excellent this album is, given my only prior knowledge of the band was their older, more generic demo stuff I'd heard. What we have on Crushing Reality is a band serving notice to not only the Atlanta metal community but to the world that they are a serious force to be reckoned with, a band ready to take the next step and become leaders in the (hopefully) impending musical revolution against the wave of cookie cutter medio-core bands glutting the scene right now. If you are looking for a band that combines the sickly sweet guitar artistry of pre-Colony In Flames or pre-Angela Arch Enemy, coupled with the musical fearlessness and experimentalism of an Opeth or an Enslaved, then prepare to have what you know as your current musical reality crushed by Crushing Reality. - Greg Buck, www.wrekage.org

Press Reviews

"Crushing Reality"
Greg Knauft, WUOG Syndication Director, Host Loud Fast Rules
Artist: From Exile
Album: Crushing Reality
Label: self-released

From Exile’s first full length following their self titled EP
comes out of the gate swinging and holds interest start to
finish. This Atlanta quartet may call the South home, but
their influences come from everywhere. The most obvious is
the Swedish death/thrash assault of tracks like “Cataclysm,”
“Product of Sin,” or the brutal “Gunpoint” which are the only
straightforward rockers. The rest of the tracks are either
segues or longer epics. Some would call tracks like
“Ascension,” “Descension,” and “Phantom” filler, but those
people would be wrong. While not proper tracks with lyrics or
traditional song structure, these segues are far better than
most entire albums. Crushing Reality’s strength lies in the
great songwriting and extremely effective hooks. Solos and
searing leads grab the listener and demand repeat listens.
Part of the song writing prowess is demonstrated with riffs
that appear in different capacities throughout the album. The
main riff of one song may reappear as a solo later on, or a
segue riff might become the rhythm guitar part to a different
song. These touches are subtle and enjoyable and give the
album serious replay value, but I’ll let the listener do the
exploring to hear them. Despite being recorded at Rock Studio
in Brunswick, GA by producer Anthony Stubelek, a place not
known for metal, Stubelek manages to get a quality sound and
professional mix. The album does have a few minor faults
worth mentioning. Songs like “Soliloquy of Death” and
“Finale” both run longer than ten minutes and at times can
drag on longer than necessary. A few riffs here and there
could be trimmed down or removed, but the band does make
excellent use of acoustic guitar, keyboards and cello that
warrant longer songs. Another potential drawback are the
vocals. Metal fans are notoriously particular about the
screams and growls they will like or dislike. Singer and
bassist Beau Mackinlay’s screams are a higher black metal type
rasp. I find them to be unique and they ceased to bother me
after only a few songs. Now I can’t imagine From Exile with
anything else. Others may disagree, to their loss. There is
simply too much good music here to ignore over a vocal
preference. Crushing Reality is all the more impressive to
have been self released and recorded on a fairly small budget.
From Exile understand there is more to metal than nonstop
brutality and breakdowns or flashy technicality with no
substance. They have written an album that is very well
balanced and makes for an enjoyable listen all the way
through. There are headbanging fist pumping tunes balanced
with mellow segues and longer sonic explorations. Most of the
minor flaws can be attributed to the youth of the band, and
they in no way hinder enjoyment of the album. Do yourself a
favor and get this album.

--Greg Knauft, WUOG Syndication Director, Loud Fast Rules



- Greg Knauft, Syndication Director WUOG, Host: Loud Fast Rules

Crushing yet beautiful, familiar yet unique, From Exile brings a level of commitment and open-mindedness to the underground of heavy music that is rarely seen. Emerging from Atlanta, Georgia, this young group is managing to master the art of metal while redefining it at the same time. Mixing sounds of psychedelic progressive rock with epic heavy metal, the band conjures up a mind-blowing listening experience that will leave you breathless.

In 2006, From Exile recorded and self-released their debut album, Crushing Reality. The album was produced under RockStudio Recording, which has also worked with bands such as Circle Takes the Square and Kylesa. The result was a sophisticated and exceptionally well-polished release, displaying an impressive combination of musicianship and creativity. Traditional metal components such as intricate riffs and fierce vocals are delivered in abundance, but are also balanced with unconventional acoustic interludes, bizarre down-tempo atmospheres and emotional solos. In sum, this album truly defines the meaning of “progressive music” in its purest form.

With an incredibly solid album right off the press and an upcoming east coast tour, From Exile is well armed to make their name known throughout the nation. It seems clear that their unmatched talent and innovative edge will undoubtedly carry this band to impressive heights.
- sonicfrontiers.net

When sometimes you think all hope is gone, and that upcoming metal bands are starting to sound more similar as the days pass by, there is always a shining light. It amazes me that a band from Atlanta could possibly be that light. From Exile is way beyond any local acts that I have ever come across in Atlanta, let alone anywhere else. I saw them live in Savannah and have been a huge fan every since. Being a huge fan of old-school metal, this band encompasses all that metal has come from and the future of the music. Dueling guitar harmonies, the rasp growl of the vocalist, along with powerful drumming behind the music makes for a deadly combination. I was asked to review their full-length album entitled "Crushing Reality."

At first listen, I was literally blown away. The production on the album is as solid as the music itself. With every song, it is more apparent of the maturity of the songwriters themselves. The disc opens with a short instrumental which heads right into the masterful song, "Cataclysm". This song encompasses all that is good in metal. The guitars are shredding across the fret board, and the screams make your head split right in half. Many instances you feel as if Iron Maiden gave birth to these guys. The old school riffs remind me of jean jackets, while the break downs remind me of the latest changes in metal. The third song is one of the best written songs that I have honestly heard in years. The only band that could pull of a song like this is the mighty Opeth. "Soliloquy of Death" is a 12 minute epic of a song. A blistering guitar solo blasts through the intro of the song straight into the verse. After destroying what is left of your speakers, the guitarist brings in a smooth transition into an acoustic guitar solo, and it works to perfection. The break leads into a very Swedish riff and then into clean vocals, which encompass the whole amplitude of the song. The end riffs are beyond heavy and you are left amazed at what you just heard. It is hard to maintain a listener for 12 full minutes, yet this song leaves you wanting more. The next song is one of the three instrumentals on the album(Descension, Phantom, and Ascension). Each of the instrumentals seem to tell a story through the instruments and are written beautifully. The song “Product of Sin” is one of the heaviest songs on the album itself. The riffs are huge and the contrasting vocals at the beginning makes you want to start a circle pit yourself. Their Swedish influences again arise in this song along with well written tempo changes. This song also features one of my favorite guitar solos. The title track is another epic of the band’s brutality. The old school thrash turns into majestic guitar solos throughout the beginning of the track. My favorite part of this song is the break in which a stringed instrument provides a beautiful mend to the madness. The guitars quickly break in and crush you with the heaviest breakdown on the album, while the strings are still playing. It is one of the most powerful moments of the album. The next track is the most old-school and is entitled “Gunpoint.” I can’t help but pump my fist to this song and smile because it reminds me of Maiden and Priest days. The screams of “Do you wanna die” are perfect for the live crowd along with the fast paced guitars and double bass pounding in your soul. From Exile finishes their album with another 12 minute epic entitled “Finale.” It is the perfect end to this heavy album. It is amazing how you are never bored throughout this entire song. If you get a chance, you must see From Exile and support them. They are THE best underground band in Atlanta to me, and will be a force to reckon with in the next few years. If labels do not pick this band up, they are missing out on a huge opportunity. From Exile is talented beyond their years and prove it with every song on their album “Crushing Reality”. It is a must buy for all metal fans. MARK - ATLmetal.com

It's clear when a band releases their debut album (whatever independent or on a label) an invisible power grows inside of the members as a whole and makes them work like overdosed by high performance vitamins, like an armor that converts the one who fits into it invincible. Makes you feel like you can swallow the world in one gulp... and still raving to spit it out.
If you previously have that energy, you just add it. And this is the result on FROM EXILE. NOIZELAND hadn't checked live but their live acts seems to be intense.

Their release of CRUSHING REALITY (2006) has made an obvious increase of their audience but not only of pure-metal ears. That's maybe because of the influences they air... maybe. Of course, you can notice it on the songs.

At first look, maybe some of you can say "more of the same, again". Crass error. I'm sure that you won't think that if you listen hearful. Maybe even after the first song, when you reach "Soliloquy of Death", the second cut: An eleven minute epic thrash metal cut will make you redefine your concept of what you understand as metal. The prevailing voice, nearer to black metal current scene changes its aspect depending on the atmosphere the song takes while the notes crowd together into your brain with no way out thru your excited ears. Some interludes into songs makes the listener wake up from the thrash trance and realise this is not another metal product for newbies. Also considerable is the impression you'll get for sure when the song gives title to the album goes through you. Another 10 outta 10. Great tunes. And also I gotta say (maybe not so important but sometimes some listeners appreciate that) the disposition of the songs all along the album is the correct one.

nfortunately, that invisible energy mentioned at the beginning doesn't affect every aspect in a band and now FROM EXILE is trying to recruit a new bassist. Good luck with that. But warning: new member gotta play in the same league as the band. I recommend you, if you're the potential bassist, to listen them before sending an email (fromexile@gmail.com) for an audition...

From Exile come from Atlanta and the crew is, at this moment:

* Eric Guenther - Guitar
* Andrew Iwanicki - Vocals
* Ben Wetzelberger - Guitar
* Vince Jarocki - Drums


-Jose Magno - Noizeland Rocks (Madrid)